A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A research training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD)/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL). The appointment will be served with the Western Ecology Division (WED) in Newport, Oregon.

This research project focuses on identifying the causes of coastal acidification in Pacific Northwest estuaries and the coastal ocean.  Specifically, we are tracking the watershed and oceanic inputs of nitrogen and carbon to Tillamook Estuary through field sampling of nutrients, stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (of nitrate, ammonia, dissolved inorganic and organic carbon, and particulate organic carbon) with the goal of identifying local factors which are influencing carbonate chemistry and oxygen dynamics within the estuary. 

Activities that the research participant may be involved in include:

• Field activities including sampling tributaries and bays for water chemistry and servicing water quality instrumentation.

• Compiling water quality data and maintaining laboratory records.

• Compiling scientific literature relevant to the project.

• Analyzing water quality and stable isotope data.

• Compiling data for use in development of hydrodynamic and biogeochemical model of the coast and estuary.

• Assisting with laboratory experiments addressing nutrient impacts and acidification.

• Contributing to scientific manuscripts and presentation on this research project.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time in the Newport, Oregon area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The mentor for this research project is Cheryl Brown (brown.cheryl@epa.gov).  The desired start date for the appointment is September 1, 2018.

Preferred candidates will have received a minimum a Master’s degree in oceanography, marine science, environmental science, or biogeochemistry within five years of the appointment start date.

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (2 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (6 )